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Sign me up. Some people use lysine, which is an essential amino acid, to help treat or prevent cold sores, but does it work? A virus causes cold sores , so a doctor will typically prescribe antiviral medications to help treat an outbreak. They may also recommend that a person uses lysine, which is an amino acid found in some foods, to help treat the virus. Lysine is essential for many bodily functions, including helping with calcium absorption and collagen formation.
However, people looking to use lysine to help treat cold sores will probably need to take a supplement to boost their lysine intake. Read on to learn more about how lysine affects cold sores. Lysine may help to slow down or prevent the growth of the herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV-1 , which is responsible for cold sores.
HSV-1 requires arginine, which is another amino acid, to grow. Lysine helps prevent the body from absorbing arginine, making it difficult for HSV-1 to grow and reproduce.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology , more than 50 percent of people aged 14 to 49 carry the virus. Lysine may slow or stop the lifecycle of HSV-1, but it cannot cure the person of the virus.
Once a person has contracted the virus, they will always have it. Lysine is an essential amino acid. The human body does not naturally produce lysine, so a person needs to get it from their diet or take a supplement.
People can also use an ointment containing lysine to help treat cold sores. People can apply the ointment directly to the sore according to the instructions on the packaging until the infection clears.
If you want to use lysine supplements to treat or prevent a specific health problem, ask your doctor first. They can help you find the right dose and provide instructions for use.
The National Institutes of Health NIH recommends checking the supplement facts label before buying any dietary or herbal supplement, including lysine. This label provides important information about the amount of active ingredient per serving.
It should also include information about other ingredients. The NIH also recommends looking for a product that has been quality tested by an independent organization. Most supplements that have been quality tested will include these details in the product information. Quality testing organizations include:. A seal of approval from one of these organizations helps you know that the product was properly manufactured, contains the listed ingredients, and does not include harmful levels of contaminants.
It does not, however, guarantee the product's safety or effectiveness. Make sure to read the label before you purchase any supplement. Look for supplements that have been quality tested by a third party.
Lysine is an important amino acid that can be found in high-protein foods like meat, nuts, beans, and eggs. It is also available as an oral supplement or topical ointment. Some research suggests that lysine may be helpful for treating certain conditions, such as cold sores and anxiety. Before taking lysine, talk to your doctor about dosage and use.
Some studies have shown that lysine has a small impact on glucose levels. Lysine is consumed naturally in meat beef, pork, poultry , cheese, certain fish, eggs, beans, legumes, and dairy products. Most people get enough lysine in their diets, but those who do not may experience fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, anemia, and reproductive challenges.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Medicinal uses of l-lysine: past and future. Int J Res Pharm Sci. Mailoo VJ, Rampes S. Lysine for herpes simplex prophylaxis: a review of the evidence. Integr Med. Interventions for prevention of herpes simplex labialis cold sores on the lips. Cochrane Database Syst Re v. Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes.
Altern Med Rev. Camfield DA. Nutritional-based nutraceuticals in the treatment of anxiety. Springer; Abreva works by helping to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to healthy skin cells. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but common triggers include stress and trauma to soft tissues in the oral cavity—for example if you bite the inside of your cheek. Most medications aimed at treating cold sores are antivirals in order to stop the herpes virus from replicating.
In addition, says Chris Airey , M. One notable exception is Zilactin, which is safe for inside your mouth. But in general, topical OTC creams should cause you to show improvement somewhere between 72 hours to four days later.
Sometimes, though, it can take a week or more. But in general, your OTC medication should speed up recovery by two to three days.
That said, according to Airey, "sometimes if medication is taken at the first signs of a cold sore, you can prevent a breakout entirely.
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
Additional reporting to this story by Simone Scully. Simone Scully is a New York-based writer and editor with years of experience writing about health, wellness, science, and lifestyle. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Oral herpes. Quantum Health. Cold sore study published in Alternative Medicine Review.
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Learn about our editorial process. Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD. Learn about our Medical Review Board. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. The only FDA-approved, non-prescription medicine to treat cold sores with the active ingredient Docosanol. Best for Blisters:.
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